APG5348 Second language acquisition
Faculty of Arts
APG5348 Second language acquisition is a level 5, 12-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Arts, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 12
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
- Workload
- 288 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Overview
In this unit, you will consider the question of how we acquire a second language, and the implications for second language teaching and learning. We explore both cognitive aspects of language learning (such as the nature of interlanguage, the role of input and interaction, memory) and social dimensions (including motivation and investment, learner identity etc.). You will examine key concepts, research methods, competing approaches and contested theories in this rapidly changing field. Throughout the unit you will have the opportunity to relate theory and research to the practical issues that confront learners and teachers in your own context, and around the world.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Online |
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- QuizzesQuiz / Test20%
- Analytical exerciseExercise20%
- Presentation20%
- Research projectProject40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
critically evaluate key theoretical concepts and debates in relation to second language acquisition, and relevant empirical research;
- 2
reflect on your own language learning experience and classroom practice in the light of theoretical and empirical studies and discussions with your teacher and peers in this unit;
- 3
apply what you have learnt to practical problems in second language learning and teaching, and formulate recommendations for improvements or future practice in the field;
- 4
communicate this clearly in interactions with your peers and in written assessment tasks.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
Learning resources
Required resources
This unit requires access to a laptop that meets minimum specifications (https://www.monash.edu/esolutions/students/bring-your-own-device-byod). Free specialist software is available via MoVE (https://www.monash.edu/learning-teaching/innovation/learning-technologies/move).
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Ward Peeters
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Ward Peeters
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for APG5348?
APG5348 has no prerequisites.
When is APG5348 offered?
In 2026, APG5348 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton, with an online option.
How much work is APG5348?
The handbook expects about 288 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does APG5348 have an exam?
No. APG5348 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.